Whole Wheat & Acorn Flour Dumplings
Nutritious and Mild Whole Wheat Dumplings with Acorn Flour
Discover a delightful and wholesome recipe for homemade vegetable dumplings made with nutritious whole wheat and acorn flour. These dumplings offer a unique, subtle acorn flavor complemented by the mildness of whole wheat, packed with fresh vegetables for a satisfying and healthy meal. Perfect for all ages, this recipe brings joy to both the cooking process and the delicious outcome!
Dumpling Wrappers- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup acorn flour
- Approx. 1 cup warm water (adjust for dough consistency)
- Pinch of salt
Dumpling Filling- 1/2 block firm tofu (pressed and mashed)
- 1/2 cup cooked lentils (drained)
- 1/4 onion (finely minced)
- 1/4 carrot (finely minced)
- 1/4 zucchini (finely minced)
- 3-4 stalks chives or green onions (finely minced)
- 1-2 shiitake mushrooms (stems removed, finely minced)
Filling Seasoning- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Pinch of black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 block firm tofu (pressed and mashed)
- 1/2 cup cooked lentils (drained)
- 1/4 onion (finely minced)
- 1/4 carrot (finely minced)
- 1/4 zucchini (finely minced)
- 3-4 stalks chives or green onions (finely minced)
- 1-2 shiitake mushrooms (stems removed, finely minced)
Filling Seasoning- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Pinch of black pepper
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the dumpling filling. Press the mashed tofu firmly to remove as much water as possible. Drain the cooked lentils well. Finely mince the onion, carrot, zucchini, chives (or green onions), and shiitake mushrooms. Using a food processor or a knife, ensure the vegetables are very finely chopped, as larger pieces can cause the dumplings to burst or look uneven. In a bowl, combine the pressed tofu, drained lentils, minced vegetables, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, a pinch of black pepper, and a little salt if needed for taste. Mix everything thoroughly. Finally, stir in 1 Tbsp soy sauce and 1 Tbsp sesame oil for added flavor and umami. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Let the filling rest in the refrigerator for a short while to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2
Now, let’s make the delicious dumpling wrappers! In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of whole wheat flour and 1 cup of acorn flour. Add a pinch of salt and mix lightly. Make a well in the center and gradually pour in about 1 cup of warm water (slightly hot, like for scalded dough). Mix with a spoon or your hands until the dough starts to come together. Once it forms a cohesive ball, transfer it to a clean surface and knead for about 5-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you have a bread machine, you can use it for kneading. Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll and resulting in a chewier texture.
Step 3
Divide the rested dough into 20-25 equal portions. Roll each portion into a small ball, then flatten it. Using a rolling pin, roll out each piece into a thin, round wrapper. Make the edges of the wrapper slightly thinner than the center to ensure a good seal when folding. (Alternatively, you can use store-bought dumpling wrappers to save time.) Place a portion of the prepared filling in the center of a wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half and pleat the edges to seal, or use your favorite dumpling folding technique. Lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper with water to help them stick together better. Ensure the filling is completely enclosed to prevent it from leaking out during cooking.
Step 4
After shaping your beautiful dumplings, it’s time to cook them in various ways! Let’s start with classic steamed dumplings. Fill a steamer with water and bring it to a boil. Arrange the dumplings in the steamer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other, and steam for about 10-12 minutes, or until the wrappers are translucent and the filling is cooked through. For a crispy treat, try pan-frying or deep-frying. Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the dumplings until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Round-shaped dumplings can also be flattened slightly and pan-fried like mini patties for a unique texture. Experiment with different cooking methods to find your favorite!
Step 5
For an added touch of flavor, consider using unrefined coconut oil. Heat a generous amount of unrefined coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the shaped dumplings in the hot oil. Once one side is golden brown and crispy, flip them over and cook the other side until evenly browned. Due to the natural brown color of whole wheat and acorn flour, the dumplings might appear darker, so it’s important to cook them over medium-low heat to ensure the filling is cooked through without burning the outside. This method yields dumplings that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a wonderful aroma from the coconut oil that complements the earthy flavors of the flours.
Step 6
An alternative and convenient way to steam dumplings is by using an electric rice cooker. Place the steamer rack inside the rice cooker pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and arrange the dumplings on the rack. Select the ‘Steam’ or ‘Dumpling’ setting on your rice cooker and let it cook until the dumplings are fully steamed. Cooking times may vary depending on your rice cooker’s model, so check for doneness. Freshly steamed dumplings are a wonderful way to appreciate the natural flavors of the ingredients. Serve with a side of soy sauce for dipping. Enjoy these wonderfully soft and moist steamed dumplings!
